World-class riders to Hampton Classic Horse Show

Some of the most elite names in international showjumping have confirmed their entries for the 42nd annual Hampton Classic Horse Show, one of the world's most prestigious events, returning to its pristine show grounds in Bridgehampton, NY, August 27-September 3. A star-studded lineup of Olympic, Pan American, and World Cup Champions will contend for top prize money and titles throughout the week, culminating in the $300,000 Hampton Classic Grand Prix CSI**** Presented by SOVARO®.

"We are absolutely thrilled to have so many top competitors confirm their entries for this year's Hampton Classic!" said Shanette Barth Cohen, the horse show's Executive Director. "This year's event is going to be spectacular. In addition to the veteran champions we cheer for year after year, there are many new emerging stars joining us this year."

Heading the impressive list of entries is two-time Olympic gold medalist McLain Ward, the 2017 FEI World Cup™ Jumping Champion. Ward, who also won the individual gold and team bronze medals at the 2015 Pan American Games, has won the Hampton Classic Grand Prix a record six times. At last year's Hampton Classic, he won both the $75,000 Douglas Elliman Grand Prix Qualifier, and the $30,000 Boar's Head Open Jumper Challenge.

Georgina Bloomberg, Ward's teammate on the U.S.'s 2015 bronze-medal Pan American Games team, has also won many competitions at the Hampton Classic including two classes last year. A long-time animal rights advocate, Bloomberg is also supporting the Classic's 7th annual Animal Adoption Day on Monday, August 28.

Also entered are U.S. Olympic gold medalist Peter Wylde; Olympic veteran Mario Deslauriers, who won the 1984 FEI World Cup Jumping Final at just 19 years old; Peter Lutz, Quentin Judge and Callan Solem, all of whom competed at the 2016 FEI World Cup™ Final, where Solem took seventh place and was the best placed U.S. rider - and highest placed female rider - at the event. Other top U.S. riders on the entry list include Nick Dello Joio, Brianne Goutal, Jimmy Torano, Lucy Deslauriers, Lauren Tisbo, Debbie Stephens, Mattias Tromp, Catherine Tyree and Andrew Welles.

A strong Irish contingent is sure to give the Americans a run for their money. Richie Moloney will be defending his 2016 Hampton Classic Grand Prix Champion title, while countryman Kevin Babington, an Olympic veteran and former European Champion, will be looking to re-claim the Hampton Classic Grand Prix title he won in 2014. Seeking their first Hampton Classic Grand Prix victories are Paul O'Shea, winner of the $40,000 Longines Cup in 2015, and Shane Sweetnam, who has been having an outstanding summer season riding with the Irish national team in Europe.

Other international riders slated to compete include Argentina's Ramiro Quintana, a 2016 Olympic veteran and team silver medalist at the 2015 Pan American Games; two-time Olympic veteran Daniel Bluman from Israel; Roberto Teran of Colombia, who competed at the 2014 FEI World Equestrian Games; 2008 and 2012 Olympian Alberto Michan of Mexico; 2015 Pan American Games veteran Luis Biraben of Argentina, and Great Britain's Amanda Derbyshire, who has had several top-ten grand prix places across the nation this year.